Page 14 of Hudson
“I need to get back to the shop,” Celine said, sliding from the booth and pulling on her cardigan. Blair did the same, tugging her sweater around her shoulders as they stepped outside into air that smelled of pine and woodsmoke.
“Temperature dropped.” Blair shivered, goosebumps rising on her arms.
“It did.” Celine’s eyes lit up. “Oh. Look who I see.”
Blair followed her gaze and felt a smile spread across her face. Killian and his brother Kian were striding toward them along the sun-dappled sidewalk, matching Kevlar vests with Livestock Agent stitched in white, badges on their belts, sidearms holstered. The early spring breeze ruffled Killian’sdark hair as his eyes found Celine. His face transformed instantly, crow’s feet crinkling at the corners, dimples cutting into his tanned cheeks.
Celine’s hair bounced as she closed the distance between them and launched herself into his arms.
“Damn, you just saw her this morning,” Kian teased.
Though fraternal twins, both brothers shared the same chiseled jawline and broad shoulders that strained against their vests. Blair laughed.
“They’re sickening, aren’t they?”
Kian’s dark eyes crinkled. “They can be. How are you, Blair?”
“Very well. You? How’s Gretchen?”
“We’re both great, thanks.” He glanced at his brother and Celine as they kissed, Killian’s hands splayed possessively across her lower back. “Stop making a spectacle of yourselves.”
Killian reluctantly broke the kiss, his lips still hovering near Celine’s. “Like you and Gretchen don’t do this.”
“You got me there,” Kian conceded with a dimpled grin.
Blair checked her watch. “I have to get back. Nice seeing you both.”
“You too, Blair.” Killian pulled Celine in for one more kiss before letting her go. “I’ll see you at home, sweetheart.”
Celine winked, her lashes fluttering, making them all laugh. She hooked her arm through Blair’s as they walked away, though her head kept swiveling back. Blair peeked over her shoulder and caught Killian still watching Celine, his gaze hungry and adoring, before he turned and disappeared into the diner. She smiled when she heard Celine’s dreamy sigh besideher.
“You do make me sick sometimes.”
“Oh, please.” Celine’s cheeks were flushed pink. “I am crazy for that man. We need to find you one.”
“I’m all for that,” Blair admitted, her fingers drifting to her pearl necklace. “I’m tired of being alone. I do hope Hud calls.”
“He will. Come on, I’m already late.”
They made their way along the sidewalk, the pale spring sun offering what warmth it could against the crisp air.
****
Hud and Eli stepped into the polished brass elevator inside the courthouse, the doors sliding shut with a soft pneumatic hiss. They rode up to the third floor and crossed the corridor toward the office, boot heels clacking against the marble tiles.
“So, who was that woman with Celine?” Eli asked.
“Blair Nelson. Celine’s cousin from Spokane. Just moved here recently.”
“She’s pretty.”
“Yeah, she is.” A half smile tugged at the corner of Hud’s mouth.
“You asked her out, didn’t you?”
“I did. But I haven’t called The Hartland yet. I need to do that before they book up.”
“I’ll leave you to it.” Eli strode to his desk, hung his hat on the coatrack and eased his tall frame into his chair. Hud did the same.
